Theater Renovation

The Wisconsin Union Theater and the Fredric March Play Circle is closed for major renovation in Summer 2012 and will re-open in Fall 2014. This is part of the Memorial Union Reinvestment (MUR) project. The revitalized and improved theaters will re-open in time for the Fall 2014 semester and the 75th Anniversary of the Theater in October 2014.

What's happening to the Union Theater? Is it being torn down?NO! The entire west wind of Memorial Union is undergoing a comprehensive renovation, and the Union Theater is being restored and preserved as part of that project. Some major changes are being made, especially in teh back-of-house areas and Play Circle. Much of the project is also intended to protect and preserve historic structures, including the Union Theater.

When will the Union Theater re-open?
The theater will re-open sometime during the Summer of 2014 (exact date TBD) and will definitely be open by the Fall 2014 semester…just in time to celebrate the Theater’s 75th Anniversary in October 2014!

What will happen to the Theater Season while the theater is closed?
The WUD Performing Arts Committee will continue to produce the Concert Series, World Stage Series, Jazz Series, Dance Series and Special Events, as well as the Madison World Music Festival and the Isthmus Jazz Festival, even while the theater is dark. Events will take place in alternate locations both on- and off-campus. The website has current information about all Season dates and locations. Sign up for the theater e-newsletter and/or follow us on Facebook to learn more.

Where will I be able to get tickets for events?
The Campus Arts Ticketing Service will still be available through the box office location in Vilas Hall and on-line through the Theater website. There will be no interruption of service for ticketing for campus arts events. Tickets for events produced by University Theater, the School of Music, the Dance Department, and other UW-Madison departments and programs, will still be available through the Campus Arts Ticketing Service. For box office location and hours, click here.

Is the Play Circle closing, too?
Phase 1 of the Memorial Union Reinvestment project will affect the entire west wing of Memorial Union, including the Union Theater, the Play Circle, Hoofers, Craftshop, and meeting rooms and offices in the west wing. The time table for the Play Circle renovation is identical to the time table for the Union Theater.

What are you doing to protect the Theater’s historic architecture?
The Wisconsin State Historic Society has an active role in determining preservation standards for the Memorial Union Reinvestment project and for ensuring that the unique historic character of the theater is preserved. More information about the role of the WSHS can be found here.

What will the theater staff do when the theater is closed? How can I contact them?
Theater permanent staff will be busy operating the box office, producing the Season, generating support for the project, and preparing for the re-opening of our spaces and the 75th Anniversary of the theater. Our phone numbers and e-mail addresses will continue to work and will be excellent ways to reach us. Click here for our contact information.

How can I stay in touch and receive updates about the project?
Subscribe to our e-newsletter. Read our blog. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Come to our Season events. Visit our website often for updates and news. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our events!

Help Build Our Future

For information on additional giving opportunities, such as planned or in-kind gifts, please contact Glenda Noel-Ney, Director of Development, at (608) 262-9409 or glenda.noelney@supportuw.org.
To support the programs that take place in the theater, donate to the Theater Endowment Fund.